To make an appointment, call 314-454-7224.
Surgery may be an option for people who are severely obese and have been unable to lose weight through diet or other means. Those who have serious obesity-related health problems may also be candidates. Generally, the various procedures—gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy—promote weight loss and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by limiting food intake. Some also interrupt the digestive process to prevent the absorption of some calories and nutrients. For the surgery to be a success, patients must be committed to lifelong healthy eating and exercise habits, medical follow-up, and supplementation of vitamins and minerals.
In order to qualify for weight loss surgery you must:
- Be between the ages of 18-70
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea; or a BMI of 30 or greater for laparoscopic gastric banding surgery
- Have attempted a structured dietary weight loss program without success
- Be evaluated and approved by a behavioral therapist, a dietician and physical therapist
- Have labs and EKG to evaluate your general condition
Take the first step and sign up for a free informational session.
Or visit WeightLossSurgery.wustl.edu for more information.
![Ahmad Bazarbashi, MD](https://physicians.wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Bazarbashi-Ahmad_Gastro_300-280x386.jpg)
Ahmad N. Bazarbashi, MD
Gastroenterology
Interventional Endoscopy
Locations:
Center for Advanced Medicine – South County
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
![J. Christopher Eagon](https://physicians.wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/J.-Christopher-Eagon-280x386.jpg)
J. Christopher Eagon, MD
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Weight Loss
Locations:
Center for Advanced Medicine Gastrointestinal Center
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital – Medical Office Building 4
![Vladimir M Kushnir](https://physicians.wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Vladimir-Kushnir-280x386.jpeg)
Vladimir M. Kushnir, MD, FASGE, AGAF
Gastroenterology
Interventional Endoscopy
Nonsurgical Weight Loss
Weight Loss
Locations:
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital – Medical Office Building 4
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Missouri Baptist Medical Center – Building D
![](https://physicians.wustl.edu/wp-content/themes/physicians/_assets/img/missing-profile.jpg)
Jayme Sparkman, NP
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Locations:
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital – Medical Office Building 4